NEW ULM, Minn. - The Rams showed competitive fire tonight, but they would eventually fall to Martin Luther in three sets. In a match that was not adequately represented in the final scoreboard, the North Central University Rams volleyball team showed heart and grit through each set. The Rams were led by Emma Middendorf (7 kills, .312 hitting percentage, 4 digs, 3 blocks) and Rachel Beckman (3 kills, 12 assists, 1 dig) on the night.

Match Vitals:

• Poor hitting would be the downfall for the Rams on the night as they accumulated a -.022 hitting percentage.

• During the match, the Rams would battle back to keep the first two sets (20-25, 20-25) within two points for most of the playing duration.

Match Recap:

• The story of the night for the Rams would be the inability for the front row to capitalize consistently. Through three sets, the Rams would accumulate a negative hitting percentage. The Rams were led individually by Emma Middendorf who provided the lone bright spot up front. In the final set of the night, the Rams seemed to run out of steam as Martin Luther would take advantage of a fast start to put the Rams away 16-25.

Key Performers:

• Emma Middendorf - 7 kills, .312 hitting percentage, 4 digs, 3 blocks

• Rachel Beckman - 3 kills, 12 assists, 1 dig

Next Up:

The Rams currently sit 7th in the UMAC volleyball standings, ahead of Crown and Northland, as they prepare for a tough home stretch against Minnesota-Morris (Saturday, October 6th at 1PM) and Bethany Lutheran (Wednesday, October 10th at 7PM) at the Clark-Danielson gymnasium. 

MEDIA: If you need further information, please contact Justin Brown at 612-343-3539 or email jdbrown@northcentral.edu.